African Basketry Tribally Used popular from Ethiopia

This large Agelgel lunch basket was made by coiling grass and woven into the desired shape, most often round and then covered with leather. 3 U-shaped lanyards are used to securely fasten the lid onto its base. The hemp rope stitches gives it much character.

It was made to carry Injera, a staple food of most Ethiopians, to the field. Injera is made popular with an endemic grain, found only in Ethiopia, through a long process involving soaking, fermenting, and cooking over an open fire on a flat metal skillet. It is served with various spicy sauces but in the countryside where people are extremely poor, it is often eaten on its own.

Cracked leather, discolouration, frayed grass on the inside bottom and edges of lid, holes, and usage patina all combine to highlight this vintage Agelgel. Circa 1970.

This item is part of my private collection, acquired in 2006 in the Highlands near Addis-Abeba, Ethiopia. Dimensions are: H 5 3/4" X D 10 1/2" - 14.2 X 26.5 cm